IP43 vs IP31
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP43 and IP31 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 4 vs 3) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 1). IP43 is rated for > 1 mm — small wires and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP31 provides > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and vertically dripping water.
IP43 protects against 1 mm solid objects and spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for sheltered equipment subject to light angled spray, such as covered outdoor fixtures.
The IP31 rating offers protection against solid objects larger than 2.5 mm and protection against vertically falling drops of water. Dripping water shall have no harmful effects.. It is an IEC 60529 ingress protection code combining first-digit (solid) level 3 with second-digit (liquid) level 1.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP43
4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP43
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
1 — Vertically Dripping Water
Dust-tight
IP43
No
IP31
No
Water-jet resistant
IP43
No
IP31
No
Submersible
IP43
No
IP31
No
Outdoor suitable
IP43
No
IP31
No
The exact difference (IP43 vs IP31)
Solid protection
IP43
Level 4 — > 1 mm — Small Wires
IP31
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP43 provides "> 1 mm — Small Wires" (level 4), while IP31 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3). IP43 is 1 level higher.
Liquid protection
IP43
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP31
Level 1 — Vertically Dripping Water
IP43 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP31 handles 0.1 mm/min drip rate (Vertically Dripping Water). IP43 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP43 offers higher overall protection than IP31. Choose IP43 for harsher environments; IP31 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.